independence northwest

independence northwest Independence Northwest is a support service brokerage serving nearly 600 Oregonians with developmental disabilities in the Portland tri-county area.

Don't miss tomorrow's FREE Art Event hosted by our sister organization SDRI!
04/24/2026

Don't miss tomorrow's FREE Art Event hosted by our sister organization SDRI!

Don't miss next week's Networking event for professionals in Portland’s social service sector! This is an opportunity t...
04/23/2026

Don't miss next week's Networking event for professionals in Portland’s social service sector! This is an opportunity to connect with peers, explore the innovative work of local organizations, and discover why collaboration is the key to building a stronger, more unified service community. If you’re a social worker, peer mentor, navigator, case manager, teacher, nurse, or nonprofit professional, this event offers a unique platform to exchange ideas, share knowledge, and create partnerships that drive real impact. Join us to celebrate the power of connection and take part in shaping our collective success.
○ When: Thursday April 30th, 2026 1PM to 4PM
○ Where: ODHS - 11826 NE Glisan St, Portland
For more information visit

Join us on Thursday, April 30, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at ODHS, located at 11826 NE Glisan St, Portland, OR 97220, for an afternoon dedicated to connection and collaboration.

Tomorrow is Administrative Support Professional Day! We want to say thank you to all of those amazing people behind the ...
04/21/2026

Tomorrow is Administrative Support Professional Day! We want to say thank you to all of those amazing people behind the scenes who keep things at this agency moving in the right direction. You all are the BEST!

From our friends at Disability Scoop!
04/20/2026

From our friends at Disability Scoop!

An Emmy-winning documentary series chronicling the lives of adults with autism who are looking for love is returning.

Community Service Network PDX Workshops FOR SOCIAL SERVICE CAREGIVER PROFESSIONALSThese are incredibly important and use...
04/17/2026

Community Service Network PDX Workshops
FOR SOCIAL SERVICE CAREGIVER PROFESSIONALS
These are incredibly important and useful classes!
For more information visit

The Community Services Network (CSN) hosts a variety of workshops and webinars in partnership with other organizations. They provide access to important learning opportunities around topics like diversity, equity, inclusion, organization, leadership and more.

Do you or someone you know get intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) services? Do you work in Oregon’s I/DD...
04/16/2026

Do you or someone you know get intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) services? Do you work in Oregon’s I/DD system? If so, the Oregon Department of Human Services Office of Developmental Disabilities Services (ODDS) wants to hear from you. Details below!

Do you or someone you know get intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) services? Do you work in Oregon’s I/DD system? If so, the Oregon Department of Human Services Office of Developmental Disabilities Services (ODDS) wants to hear from you. We’re hosting a series of meetings in April and May. Learn more in this story and come join us: https://apps.oregon.gov/oregon-newsroom/OR/ODHS/Posts/Post/odds-hosts-community-meetings-to-guide-budget-decisions

ODDS offers a Guide to Supporting Individual Preferences in Medical Decision-Making. You can find it at https://www.oreg...
04/16/2026

ODDS offers a Guide to Supporting Individual Preferences in Medical Decision-Making. You can find it athttps://www.oregon.gov/odhs/providers-partners/idd/workerguides/wg-supporting-medical-decisions.pdf

Allowing individuals to make their choices known ahead of time helps to inform the people caring for them of their wishes and can help reduce anxiety and concern over medical treatment. Today on National Healthcare Decisions Day talk with your loved ones about what they want. For assistance use this link from our very own OHSU Office on Disability & Health.

The “Taking Charge of My Health Care” project is a toolkit designed to provide health and healthcare advocacy education and resources for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and those who support them.

Very Exciting New Resource! HandicapMD has launched a new national resource, State-by-State Guide to Handicap Permit Pla...
04/15/2026

Very Exciting New Resource!

HandicapMD has launched a new national resource, State-by-State Guide to Handicap Permit Placard Laws and Application Requirements, designed to help patients, caregivers, and families understand how handicap permit placard laws, disabled parking permit laws, and state-by-state handicap placard rules differ across the United States. The new guide brings together information on qualification standards, medical certification requirements, permit types, interstate recognition, renewals, misuse penalties, and state-specific application pathways in one comprehensive destination.

Get DMV handicap parking permit placards online to evaluations with HandicapMD - certify your DMV applications - the fasted way to get legit, HIPAA compliant disability permit evaluations

SAVE THE DATE!
04/14/2026

SAVE THE DATE!

ODDS made several important rule changes in 2025 and 2026 that will affect all Medicaid agency providers. They implement...
04/13/2026

ODDS made several important rule changes in 2025 and 2026 that will affect all Medicaid agency providers. They implement recent legislation, take steps to enhance the health and safety of people receiving services, and introduce a new type of agency – Employer Model Agency. These updates help improve certified agencies, especially Standard Model Agencies and 24-hour residential programs. These changes are meant to make services better, easier to understand, and safer for people who use them. The updates were based on real feedback, application data, complaints, and licensing trends.

Because so much has changed, we want to make sure everyone has the information they need. Join us to learn what the new rules are, why they matter, and how they support better services. ODDS will also share new resources to help providers and case managers support individuals and families.
Case management entities and providers, you’re invited to join us and the community on the following dates and times:
• Thursday, April 9, 1:00pm – 2:30pm
– ODDS Oregon Administrative Rule Structure and
Introduction to Agency Certification and Endorsement Rules (Teams Link)
• Thursday, April 16, 1:00pm – 2:30pm
– Recent 24-Hour Residential Programs Rule Changes (Teams Link)
• Wednesday, April 22, 1:00pm – 2:30pm
– Recent Community Living Supports Rule Changes and Introduction to the Employer Model Agency (Teams Link)
• Friday, May 1, 1:00pm – 2:30pm
– Understanding the Differences Between the Standard and Employer Model Agency (Teams Link)

If you have any questions, please contact:
Contact(s): Mike Parr, Rose Herrera, Chrissy Fuchs, Nikki Blake
Email: mike.r.parr@odhs.oregon.gov, rose.k.herrera@odhs.oregon.gov,
chrissy.fuchs@odhs.oregon.gov, nikki.blake@odhs.oregon.gov.

HAPPY NATIONAL SIBLINGS' DAY!
04/10/2026

HAPPY NATIONAL SIBLINGS' DAY!

Address

919 NE 19th Avenue, # 275
Portland, OR
97232

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+15035462950

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Proudly Serving Oregon Since 2007

Since 2007, Independence Northwest has been serving the Oregon I/DD (Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities) community as a support services brokerage. We provide case management, resource navigation, and connections to home and community-based supports to over 500 adults in the Portland tri-county area (Multnomah, Clackamas, and Washington counties.) We’re a nonprofit governed by a board of directors comprised almost entirely of people with disabilities and their family members.

If you’re 18 or older, have been diagnosed with an intellectual and/or developmental disability, and you live independently or with your family in the community, you’re most likely eligible for our services. Once enrolled in services, you can choose whichever brokerage(s) serve(s) your county. Here in the Portland metro area, you have up to six different choices including Independence Northwest. Once you choose your brokerage, you then have the option to choose your own Personal Agent. If you’d like to learn more about INW’s Personal Agents, click here.

Your Personal Agent works with somewhere around 45 brokerage customers. If at any time, you’re interested in working with someone else, just let us know and we’ll help you find the right fit. When you first begin services, an assessor is responsible for reviewing your support needs and determining what state and federally-funded resources may be available for you. Once you know your benefit level, your PA will then help you find professionals to help you meet your goals. You can choose from Domestic Employees or Provider Organizations. Domestic Employees are Personal Support Workers whose rates are determined by agreement between the SEIU (union) and the state; Provider Organization rates are determined by the state. Each year, you will develop an Individual Support Plan (ISP.) Our job is to help you meet your goals – your plan says what YOU want it to say.

Brokerage services in Oregon are amongst the most progressive in the United States.